RAM members take action for Maui students

On Sunday, Oct. 14, a group of Realtors Association of Maui (RAM) members joined forces to make a difference for the students of Pomaikai Elementary School as part of Hawaii Realtors’ Realtor Action Day.

“My daughter Ava is a first-grader at Pomaikai Elementary School,” Peros-Busch said. “Realtor Action Day was a good opportunity for us to participate in an activity together and to teach her about community stewardship.”

This year, as part of its statewide community service project, Hawaii Realtors—formerly the Hawaii Association of Realtors—partnered with the Adopt-A-School Day program, which hosts an annual day of awareness and service to schools throughout Hawaii on the second Sunday in October. “It was an effort to join forces with Realtors across the state,” Clapper said. “Many Realtors already serve their communities well, but we really wanted to show a unified ohana by involving every island if we could. We even had a few Realtors do a project on Lanai.”

On Maui, the volunteers arrived at the Pomaikai Elementary School campus in Kahului bright and early on the morning of Oct. 14, where they were given a brief orientation. After a quick review of the “honey-do” list, they rolled up their sleeves, opened a few cans of paint, and got to work. By the end of the day, they had stenciled and painted sets of coordinating numbers up and down the school’s staircases to help students learn their multiplication tables. “We went through several sets of staircases and attached the stencils, then went through and painted them, then went through a final time and removed the stencils after the paint dried,” Clapper explained.

Baldos says she was thrilled by the end result. “I participated in Realtor Action Day because of the gratitude that I have for our clients,” she said. “As a Realtor, our clients come from the community. It felt right to give back to them through a day dedicated to community outreach. Participating was an opportunity to understand how our work not only affects our current clients—our impact extends towards the future generations as well.’

Like her fellow volunteers, Peralto said she relished the opportunity to give the elementary school some TLC. “Participating in the Realtor Action Day allowed me the opportunity to do a little part to help the teachers and children of our community,” she said. “It was fun and I enjoyed the time sharing our efforts in this small way.”

This was the first coordinated Realtor Action Day on Maui—and Clapper says it won’t be the last. “We look forward to growing the event and serving more schools around the island,” she said.

She encourages all RAM members to consider signing up for next year’s Realtor Action Day. “I would encourage anyone to who has two hours on a single Sunday in the fall to consider serving in this capacity,” Clapper said. “We provide all the supplies, instruction—and snacks, too. It’s a family-friendly event, so kids are welcome, and it’s a great opportunity to allow them to experience serving their community.”

To learn more about Realtor Action Day or to view a list of the community service projects that took place statewide on Sunday, Oct. 14, visit www.hawaiirealtors.com/rad/.

https://www.ramaui.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ram-logo.png00RAMEditorhttps://www.ramaui.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ram-logo.pngRAMEditor2018-11-17 13:51:412018-11-20 13:54:23RAM members take action for Maui students

The Lahaina Civic Center will come alive with the sounds of cheers, bouncing basketballs and sneakers squeaking on the hardwood floor when the Maui Jim Maui Classic, an NCAA Division I women’s college basketball tournament, tips off on Friday, Dec 14 and Saturday, Dec. 15. Now in its third year, the annual tournament will be hosted by basketballMAUI in partnership with the Oregon State women’s basketball team, which is currently ranked No. 8 in the nation. Texas A&M University (ranked No. 20) will also take the court, along with Eastern Washington University and University of California, Riverside. “As far as I know, Maui has never hosted two nationally ranked women’s teams to compete against each other, which is very exciting for basketball fans on the island,” said basketballMAUI founder Ben Prangnell.

And there will be plenty of excitement off the court, too. While they’re here on Maui, these college athletes will pay a visit to several elementary schools to underscore the winning combination of academics and athletics. “The mission of the tournament is to inspire Maui youth in their educational and athletic aspirations,” Prangnell explained. “Each team will be visiting some of our local elementary schools to participate in read-alouds with the children and spend time sharing their athletic and educational journeys and the importance of reading and education.”

It’s something Realtors® Association of Maui members Lydia Pedro and Alana Rucynski of the Top Maui Homes team of Wailea Realty Corp. have been looking forward to all year. Both serve on basketballMAUI’s board of directors; they have been involved with the all-volunteer, donor-funded 501(c)3 nonprofit organization since its inception in 2010.

basketballMAUI’s mission is to give youth an opportunity to prepare for success, both on and off the court. Every year, thousands of public and private school students participate in basketballMAUI’s summer camps, clinics and school assemblies, which are focused on basketball skills and athletic, character and leadership development. And the best part? No child has ever been excluded from basketballMAUI’s programs for lack of financial resources. In June, hundreds of youth ages 7 to 18 took part in the 9th annual weeklong basketballMAUI camp at the War Memorial Gym in Wailuku. Former and active college basketball players and coaches of all stripes (including NCAA Division I coaches) guided campers through position-specific training, personal training, life skills development and challenge groups, placing an emphasis on enthusiasm, leadership and teamwork.

“None of this would be possible without our local sponsors and volunteers to which we are so grateful,” Prangnell said. One of those sponsors is Wailea Realty Corp. A Boutique of Windermere Real Estate. “Lydia and Alana’s support alongside the Wailea Realty team since our inception has been one of the pillars to continue to see our impact and support of Maui youth grow,” he said.

Pedro has seen firsthand the positive impact of basketballMAUI and encourages all residents to consider attending this year’s Maui Jim Maui Classic. “The reason I think that people should come to this event is that these women are here to support our kids by visiting them at school, reading to them and being good role models,” she said. “We need to support them as they support our kids.”

Rucynski agrees wholeheartedly. “People should come to the Maui Classic because these ladies of college basketball have some major skills!” she said. “Their athleticism on the court is amazing and their hearts for our keiki when they visit our schools is so amazing.”

And you don’t have to be a basketball aficionado to enjoy the two-day tournament. “This is a great family-friendly weekend for all to enjoy,” Rucynski said.

Tickets for the 2018 Maui Jim Maui Classic are on sale now. Tickets are $10 per person per day. A portion of the proceeds will benefit participating elementary school libraries, basketballMAUI’s sports programs and other local nonprofit organizations. There will be two action-packed games on each day, food trucks, opportunities to win a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses, and a chance to win a luxury staycation package at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. To purchase tickets, visit www.basketballmaui.com/maui-classic. For more information about basketballMAUI and its programs, visit www.basketballmaui.com. To inquire about future sponsorship or donor opportunities, email Pedro at Lydia@TopMauiHomes.com.

In 1901, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neurologist, examined a patient with a mystifying case of progressive memory loss. He determined that she had a pathological form of dementia—what we now know to be Alzheimer’s disease.

Today, Alzheimer’s is classified as a degenerative disease of the brain and the most common form of dementia (according to the Alzheimer’s Association, it accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases). Symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time, eventually becoming so severe that they interfere with daily life. And while the majority of sufferers are 65 and older, it is not a disease reserved solely for the elderly. There are less common forms that appear earlier in adulthood; in fact, the Alzheimer’s Association says up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer’s, with many diagnosed in their 40s and 50s. An estimated 5.7 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s, and tragically, the outlook is grim: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the disease as the nation’s sixth leading cause of death for adults (and the fifth leading cause of death for adults ages 65 years and older). While there are treatments that can temporarily delay the symptoms, there is currently no cure. That may change soon, though, as there is a vigorous effort underway to change the trajectory of the disease.

Joanne Foxxe of Kapalua Realty knows firsthand the destructive nature of Alzheimer’s: two people close to her are grappling with the disease. “If there was a cure now…it surely would give me peace of mind,” she said.

That’s why she took part in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to elevate awareness and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association and its mission-related initiatives of care, support and research. The Alzheimer’s Association has chapters nationwide (including the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter in Hawaii) and actively works to eliminate the disease through advancements in research. The nonprofit organization also aims to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain-healthy lifestyles, and facilitates workshops, support groups and one-on-one consultations for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

As one of more than 600 events taking place across the country this fall, the Maui Walk to End Alzheimer’s was held on Saturday, Oct. 20. The two-mile walk started at the Boys & Girls Clubs Central Clubhouse in Wailuku and meandered through nearby Keopuolani Park. “It wasn’t a long walk—it was easy, with water and cheering along the way,” Foxxe said. “There was great participation by the schools, which was wonderful to see.” There was also live music and entertainment, an awards ceremony, and a “promise garden” filled with personalized forget-me-not flowers. Most importantly, all of the money raised at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will further the Alzheimer’s Association’s care, support and research efforts.

Foxxe encourages everyone to consider lacing up their sneakers next year. She’s already gearing up for the 2019 event. “Next year, I am committed to making the event even bigger,” she said. “I want to put my own team together and raise more money than I did this year.” (Foxxe was one of the top individual fundraisers for 2018 and was inducted into the Alzheimer Association’s exclusive Grand Champions Club.)

And if you do take part in next year’s event, every step you take will bring researchers closer to wiping out this terrible disease. “There are 28,000 Hawaii residents affected by this disease and 66,000 caregivers,” Foxxe said. “That’s why I’m motivated to find a cure.”

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter, visit www.alz.org/hawaii or call 591-2771. There’s also a 24/7 helpline that gives callers immediate guidance, emotional support and crisis intervention: 1-800-272-3900. The 2018 walk may be over, but Foxxe is still collecting donations; you can send a check payable to the Alzheimer’s Association to: Joanne Foxxe, c/o Kapalua Realty, 700 Office Rd., Lahaina, HI 96761.

Ten thousand people. That’s how many men, women and children are served by the Maui Food Bank every month.

Through its network of more than 120 partner agencies and programs, the nonprofit organization collects and distributes food to individuals, families, children and youth, seniors, the homeless—anyone who is at risk of going hungry.

That’s why Debbie Arakaki stepped up to help.

In 2014, Arakaki, a REALTOR®-Broker with Elite Pacific Properties, hosted a fundraiser for the Maui Food Bank during a brokers open. It was so successful that she decided to do it again the following year—and the year after that. The three events raised $12,000, $18,000, and $22,000, respectively.

This year, Arakaki and her colleagues raised more than $23,000 for the Maui Food Bank—all in a single evening. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of our community supporters like Beau Petrone of A Sound Mind Home Inspection, Bank of Hawaii, and our generous matching donors like the Donegan Burns Foundation and others,” she said.

Arakaki says she was inspired to help the Maui Food Bank after reading an article about its Aloha BackPack Buddies program, which provides healthy weekend meals to elementary school children from food-insecure homes throughout the academic year. Children who are on their school’s free and reduced meal program can pick up a prefilled backpack on Friday afternoons; it contains six nutritional meals they can take home with them. “Having owned restaurants for 20 years, I have always made sharing food a part of our culture,” she explained. “It tugged at my heart that we have so many children who go hungry.”

More than 80 people attended this year’s fundraiser, which was held on Thursday, Sept. 13, at a home in Launiupoko as the culmination of a brokers’ caravan of properties in the area. “With the funds raised, we can supply 4,645 backpacks filled with food for all of the West Maui schools that participate in the program for the entire school year,” Arakaki said. “We also had enough to target the neediest schools in Kihei and Central Maui to feed their kids for the entire year.”

Clearly, Arakaki knows how to throw a good party: There was catered food, a teppanyaki food truck and an ATV valet service to transport guests up and down the long driveway. “It was a lot of fun,” Arakaki said. “The beautiful grounds of the majestic Maui home in Launiupoko set the tone with the fire pit roaring, the tiki torches blazing. It was just a perfect evening of fun, food, conversations, laughter…and an all-around great time.”

She credits the success of the event to her industry colleagues who stepped up to the plate to help her pull it all together. “We had people from Bank of Hawaii, Fidelity National Escrow and Title and Luxury Home Magazine helping with greeting and taking in donations and money for our prizes and gift certificates from Trilogy Excursions, Lahaina Grill and more. The Elite Pacific Properties agents helped create a fantastic dessert table and my husband, Gary, tended the bar with our homemade fresh lime margaritas. Mary Anne Fitch donated all of the wine that poured freely through the night. We had DJ Eliza Vasquez jamming on the music. Special thanks to the behind-the-scenes crew of my kids, Ryan and Casey, and also Reta Chin-Chiarella.”

Arakaki says she will continue her efforts to stock the shelves at the Maui Food Bank and fill backpacks for the Aloha BackPack Buddies Program. And she encourages others to do what they can to help, too. “It is a rewarding and fun thing to do,” she said. “It feels so good to be able to help so many of Maui’s hungry families.”

You can provide hunger relief for those in need by making a monetary donation or holding a food drive at your business, school, place of worship, community service club or in your neighborhood anytime of the year. To learn more about the Maui Food Bank or to inquire about donor or volunteer opportunities, visit www.mauifoodbank.org or call 243-9500.

https://www.ramaui.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Debbie-Arakaki-10.27.18.jpg30183018RAMEditorhttps://www.ramaui.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ram-logo.pngRAMEditor2018-10-27 08:00:122018-11-01 16:16:59REALTOR® works to end hunger on Maui

If you’ve ever wondered if all-star cheerleading is a sport, consider this: Can you toss another human being more than 15 feet into the air? Can you do a backflip from a standstill? Or a cartwheel—without your hands ever touching the floor?

All-star cheerleaders can.

But if that doesn’t convince you, in 2016, the International Olympic Committee voted to recognize competitive cheerleading as a sport and gave it provisional Olympic status.

“Yes, all-star cheerleading is a sport,” said Stacey Lee Vinoray. “It’s extremely competitive and requires a lot of hard work, athleticism, dedication, commitment and money. You have two minutes and thirty seconds on the mat to show everything you’ve got.”

Vinoray, a REALTOR® with NextHome Pacific Properties, knows the benefits of cheerleading firsthand. The former high school cheerleader signed on to be a volunteer coach for Maui Cheer Allstars ten years ago, and since then, she’s worked alongside her cousin, Marilyn Valencia, the owner and co-director of the Lahaina-based cheerleading squad. “I volunteered to help because cheer and dance are my passions,” Vinoray explained.

And it’s not her first foray into coaching; she’s also a volunteer cheer coach at her alma mater, Lahainaluna High School. “I have been involved with supporting Lahainaluna High School cheerleading since 2002, when I first became a REALTOR®,” she said. “Since then, I have been a part of a number of all-star teams: Maui Cheer Allstars, Cheer808 Maui, Maui Cheer Academy and Maui Cheer Force.”

Maui Cheer Allstars is a non-school-affiliated, competitive cheer team. Its mission is to “teach fundamentals of all-star cheerleading while promoting discipline, dedication and teamwork in a fun environment.”

And the squad has certainly made its mark.

“We may be small in numbers, but we have big hearts,” Vinoray said. “To date, we have won 24 national championships, 17 international championships, two grand championships, and ranked tenth in the Inaugural U.S. D2 Summit.”

There are thousands of all-star cheer programs nationwide. Far from the traditional sideline cheerleading you see at football and basketball games, all-star teams compete in local, national and international competitions where they perform two-and-a-half minute routines featuring gravity-defying stunts, jumps, tumbling, pyramids, basket tosses and dance moves. Similar to gymnastics, judges score routines based on their level of difﬁculty, precision, creativity and entertainment value.

Vinoray clearly relishes her role as a coach. “Helping to minister the importance of decision-making, having faith in themselves, gaining confidence and learning to work together as a team toward building a stunt or pyramid or learning choreography—it’s super fun and exciting,” she said. “The team, the parents, the coaching staff—everyone gives the best of themselves, and having that be a part of your daily life is amazing. I feel I get more from coaching than I could ever give.”

Maui Cheer Allstars is now gearing up for a competition on Oahu in February with the hopes of securing a bid for an invitation to the D2 Summit, which will be held May 11-13 in Orlando, Florida. “We have a number of upcoming fundraisers in the works, so if you’re approached by anyone from Maui Cheer Allstars, please kokua if you can,” Vinoray said. “We are grateful for our Maui Cheer Allstars Ohana and the entire community for always supporting us in our travels. And special shout out to our coaching staff: Marilyn Valencia, Mary Ann Corpuz, Anuhea Doran, Charlie Perreira and Kahaia Lilikoi.”

Vinoray encourages others to consider volunteering. “Get involved in your community,” she said. “Support the schools and nonprofits because they fill in the gaps where our government is unable to provide for our keiki and our kupuna.” Quoting Mahatma Ghandi, Vinoray said, “‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’”

When the Realtors Association of Maui (RAM) inducted its new slate of officers and directors at its 50th annual installation event on Friday, Sept. 7, it simultaneously made a difference in the lives of Maui County youth.

In addition to the proceeds from the event, $26,000 was raised for RAM’s Presidential Scholarship Fund through Mea Kako‘o, a sponsorship group established in 2017 to further benefit the scholarship fund.

RAM’s Presidential Scholarship Fund has awarded $681,000 in scholarships to college-bound high school seniors throughout Maui County (as well as past recipients of RAM’s Presidential Scholarship Fund) since its inception in 1989. Funds for the scholarship program are raised through events like RAM’s installation event, the Realtors Presidential Scholarship Golf Event, RAM’s Big Deal fundraiser and the “RAM’s Got Talent” show at the Historic Iao Theater.

To be eligible for the scholarship award, students must be a high school senior or a former recipient of the scholarship (from the previous three years) and they must be in the process of applying or reapplying to an accredited college or university or trade school. Applicants must also be full-time Maui County residents who are currently attending—or have previously attended—a public or private high school in Maui County; however, students attending private high schools off island will be considered residents of Maui County if they are living off island for the specific purpose of attending that private high school. Current GED participants are also encouraged to apply for the scholarship award.

RAM members also raised $29,200 to help Ka Hale A Ke Ola (KHAKO) Homeless Resource Centers purchase a new playground for its facility in Wailuku. The playground is sorely needed: Last year alone, KHAKO provided more than 12,600 hours of service to children on the property.

“Change, especially to a child in the circumstances of being homeless, can be frightening,” said 2018-19 RAM President Gina Duncan, who spearheaded the KHAKO playground fundraiser after touring the Wailuku facility over the summer. “The new playground can provide a measure of comfort and stability for these children. I’m proud that our Realtor ohana is a giving and compassionate group and was able to raise funds at our annual installation event to build a playground for the children.”

KHAKO is a comprehensive resource center that prepares families and individuals for permanent housing while providing emergency shelter, counseling services, addiction recovery management and adult education and training, as well as a primary care medical clinic and childcare facilities. The organization underwent a paradigm shift last year, redirecting its focus to breaking the cycle of homelessness by finding and maintaining permanent housing for its residents.

And housing concerns are top of mind for RAM, which chose “Aloha in Our Community…Housing for Everyone” as the theme to guide the organization forward through 2018-19. Additionally, “housing concerns” was recently added as an objective of the RAM Community Foundation. The Foundation was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2007, and since then, has provided academic scholarships to Maui County students and assisted public schools countywide through the Wishing Well…for Maui Students program.

The fundraiser for the KHAKO playground is the Foundation’s first housing concerns-related initiative—and it will have an immeasurable impact. “Maui’s homeless, interim housing and affordable housing concerns need everyone’s help at this critical juncture,” Duncan said. “This playground is one small step toward improving the lives of Maui keiki.”

KHAKO provides thousands of meals to its residents every year and volunteers are always needed to prep, cook and serve food at its Central and West Side facilities. KHAKO also seeks monetary donations and contributions of goods or services; immediate needs include a passenger van, walk-in freezer, sheets, blankets, towels, unused pillows, and small dining sets.

On Friday, Sept. 7, the Realtors Association of Maui (RAM) honored three of its members during its annual installation ceremony at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. Those members were 2018 Affiliate of the Year Eric Miyajima, 2018 Realtor Broker of the Year Rachel Ball Phillips and 2018 Realtor Salesperson of the Year Jeannie Kong. All three were recognized by RAM for their business and real estate accomplishments, as well as their spirit, character, professionalism and volunteer work.

Like his fellow honorees, Miyajima, vice president and residential loan manager with American Savings Bank, was in a state of disbelief when he heard his name announced that day. “I’ve been to many installation events over the years,” he said. “I never expected them to call my name.”

Miyajima was born in Puunene and is a proud Baldwin High School alumnus. As a kid, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and learn how to play golf. Needless to say, the sport was a good fit for Miyajima, who quickly proved his mettle on the course as a scratch golfer (according to the U.S. Golf Association, a scratch golfer is “a player who can play to a course handicap of zero on any and all rated golf courses. A male scratch golfer, for rating purposes, can hit tee shots an average of 250 yards and can reach a 470-yard hole in two shots at sea level.”)

After high school, Miyajima headed east to attend the University of Utah, where he played college golf. Not long after earning a degree in business administration, he returned to Maui. It didn’t take long for him to get back into the swing of things—he began coaching high school golf at his alma mater, joined the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association’s board of directors and established the Maui Junior Golf Association (he served as its president for nearly three decades).

Founded in 1960, the Maui Junior Golf Association promotes and fosters the game of golf to youth of all ages and skill levels while eliminating barriers—financial or otherwise. Among other things, the Maui Junior Golf Association teaches youth the fundamentals and etiquette of the game; provides opportunities for leadership development; promotes competition through golf tournaments; and reinforces the values of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and fellowship. The organization also offers a scholarship program for high school seniors who have excelled academically while actively participating in the game of golf.

It goes without saying that Miyajima has made an indelible mark on the scholarship program. Over the years, he’s helped hundreds of young men and women land scholarships to colleges and universities across the country. Among other things, he has organized golf tournaments and invited college scouts to attend; contacted recruiters on behalf of players; and gone the extra mile (in some cases, literally) to recommend student-athletes for full-ride golf scholarships. It was no small feat, but Miyajima says the time and effort was 100 percent worth it, because he was giving these students an opportunity to succeed—both on and off the golf course.

Miyajima entered the mortgage industry nearly four decades ago, and since then, he’s cultivated a thriving career. He’s assisted thousands of local families with home financing, sharing his depth of experience in affordable mortgage lending, conventional loans, government lending and investment property lending. Miyajima says the greatest reward is seeing his clients achieve their dreams of homeownership—particularly first-time buyers. “It’s a really good feeling,” he said.

https://www.ramaui.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Eric-Miyajima-10-06-18-crop.jpg7271200RAMEditorhttps://www.ramaui.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ram-logo.pngRAMEditor2018-10-06 06:00:572018-10-04 14:28:06RAM honors its Affiliate of the Year

Just ask Rachel Ball Phillips, who says she was in a state of disbelief when she heard her name announced as the 2018 Realtor Broker of the Year at the 50th annual Realtors Association of Maui (RAM) installation luncheon on Friday, Sept. 7.

“It was a complete surprise that I was going to be receiving the award and very surreal to be sitting there listening to Jeannie [RAM’s 2017 Realtor Broker of the Year Jeannie Wenger] describing this year’s recipient in abstract terms…and coming to the realization that she was talking about me,” Phillips said.

That day, three honorees—Phillips, 2018 Realtor Salesperson of the Year Jeannie Kong and 2018 Affiliate of the Year Eric Miyajima—were recognized by RAM for their business and real estate accomplishments, as well as their spirit, character, professionalism and volunteer work. “I was really honored to receive this award,” she said. “It’s not about sales production, but recognition of leadership and service to the real estate profession. To me, it’s the highest real estate honor that I could receive.”

It’s safe to say that Phillips, a Realtor Broker with her family’s company, Carol Ball and Associates, has real estate in her DNA. “I am a second generation Realtor,” she explained. “My dad, Richard Ball, now retired, was a Realtor, and my mom, Carol Ball, and brother, Keone Ball, are also Realtors. My mom started our family business back in 1980, and when I turned 18 years old I dutifully got my real estate license.”

At the time, though, Phillips says she wasn’t interested in becoming a Realtor and opted to work as a construction estimator and project coordinator instead. But after her first son was born 17 years ago, she transitioned from construction to real estate. Nearly two decades later, Phillips has made her mark in the industry and credits her family’s support for her successes. “I have been very fortunate to have a very supportive husband who has always been there to help out,” she said, “and one of the best teachers on the island to mentor me—my mom, Carol Ball.”

And what is the most rewarding part of her job? “I really enjoy helping people fulfill their dream of owning a home, especially first-time homebuyers,” she said. “Buying a home is not only a major financial decision, but also a very emotional process for many people. It is very rewarding to be able to guide people through the home-buying journey and share the joy with them when they are finally able to move into their own home.”

Over the years, Phillips has contributed her time and talent to a number of worthy causes, including volunteering for several local organizations and serving on the Maui County Board of Variances and Appeals and the Maui County Board of Ethics. She’s also a member of the Kiwanis Club of the Valley Isle (Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children). “The local clubs work independently and together to organize numerous service projects throughout the year,” she said. “Our projects this year have included food distribution for Feed My Sheep and providing backpacks and school supplies for preschool students through Project Backpack.”

And helping others is part of her family’s legacy. “My grandparents and parents were always very active in the community, and now my brother and I continue that tradition,” Phillips said. “We have been very blessed and feel that it is important to give back to and be active participants in the community in which we live.”

That’s why Phillips encourages others to consider giving back in any way they can. “We all have something to give and there is always someone in need of help,” she said. “I encourage anyone who is not currently involved in any kind of community service to find some way to get involved. If we all work together one small bit at time, we can make our Maui community the best it can be.”

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When Jeannie Kong arrived at the Four Seasons Resort Maui for the 50th annual Realtors Association of Maui (RAM) installation ceremony on Friday, Sept. 7, she had no idea she was part of the day’s agenda.

In fact, when Kong heard her name announced as the 2018 Realtor Salesperson of the Year, she says it took her a few moments to process what had just happened. “My reaction that day was of utter surprise—it was sort of like a dream,” she said.

That day, Kong, along with 2018 Realtor Broker of the Year Rachel Ball Phillips and 2018 Affiliate of the Year Eric Miyajima, were honored by RAM for their business and real estate accomplishments, as well as their spirit, character, professionalism and volunteer work.

Kong’s real estate career began in 2006, and somewhat unexpectedly. At the time, she was working as an interior designer and had an online store. “It was a very busy time in the real estate world [and] I had some properties that I wanted to sell,” she recalled. “I was always involved in real estate, from investments to scouting locations for companies, and when I was in my early 20s, I was an assistant to a vice president of a top commercial real estate firm in New York City. So it seemed natural for me to get a license to sell my properties. I thought I would just do it for myself—until my friends and acquaintances asked me to market or buy help them buy properties, as they knew my work ethic. So it grew from there. Real estate was a leap of faith, but I soon grew to love the creativity of it.”

Now, more than a decade later, Kong has forged a well-respected career as a Realtor Salesperson. “Real estate is an emotional business and being able to get to the core of people is quite fascinating,” she said. “I also love real estate because I love designing homes and being creative with the marketing. Each home is unique and bringing that value angle to the marketing campaign really excites me. There is so much joy to watch people excited about their Maui home or help a seller get top dollar.”

Over the years, Kong has contributed her time and talent to a number of worthy causes. Among other things, she’s served as the vice president of the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation’s board of directors, was elected as one of RAM’s directors-at-large and volunteered as a guardian ad litem (a person appointed by a court to protect the best interests of a child in a particular matter). “Volunteering has always been a part of my life,” she explained. “It was a requirement to graduate from high school and I never stopped since.”

Kong currently serves on RAM’s Member Services Committee and RAM’s Presidential Scholarship Committee. She’s also a volunteer for the Wishing Well…for Maui Students program (which collects furniture, school supplies and other items with the goal of improving the educational experiences and opportunities for Maui County’s public school students). “As a mother of four wonderful human beings, I saw firsthand the needs for students and teachers,” she said. “I also see a need to help students navigate the college prep process.”

Kong says making a positive difference in the lives of others is intensely rewarding. “I am a firm believer in giving more than you take. I feel the joy of giving back is a gift in and of itself,” she said. “On our island, what one gives has such a direct and immediate impact. I feel blessed to be here and have been able to raise my children here. I have never met a more giving group than our Maui Realtors.”

And that’s something Kong takes to heart. “Being a Realtor on Maui is especially unique, because not only are people attracted to the beauty of Maui, but also the lifestyle,” she said. “So live it and be the aloha. Take time to talk story, listen, be a good neighbor and enjoy our island every day. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

https://www.ramaui.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/JeannieKong-1-e1537816702423.jpg636640RAMEditorhttps://www.ramaui.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ram-logo.pngRAMEditor2018-09-22 09:16:262018-09-24 09:18:41RAM honors its Realtor® Salesperson of the Year

Twelve years ago, Realtor-Broker Robin Vega and a friend signed up to help out at a community event in their hometown of Lahaina.

That’s when she caught the volunteering bug. “I was inspired by the people of Lahaina and wanted to help make a difference,” she said.

Since then, Vega, owner of MegaVega Properties, has pitched in whenever and wherever she’s needed. Among other things, she’s been an ardent supporter of the LahainaTown Action Committee (LAC) and its year-round community events. “LAC does so much to support the community and the keiki,” she said.

LAC was established in 1988 by residents and business owners “to preserve the historic integrity, rekindle the small town atmosphere and promote the uniqueness of Lahaina.” Today, LAC is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that is primarily self-funded through membership dues, event revenue and promotional product sales, and is “a proactive, results-oriented, entrepreneurial nonprofit with widespread community support.”

LAC is perhaps best known for organizing large-scale, well-attended and well-publicized events (several have been covered by national and international media, as well as local and statewide media, including—and not limited to—the monthly Lahaina Second Friday town party; Lahaina Halloween Party; Fourth of July fireworks display; Banyan Tree birthday celebration; King Kamehameha Parade; Festivals of Aloha; Prince Kuhio Celebration; and the annual Golf Classic benefitting charitable organizations and Lahaina Junior Golf.

In addition to these events, LAC operates the Lahaina Visitor Center at the Old Lahaina Courthouse. It also serves as a liaison between West Maui residents, businesses and other organizations who are working to address the concerns of the community.

Vega has sponsored a number of LAC events and she’s volunteered at most of them. She’s a familiar face at events like the Lahaina Second Friday town party, Lahaina Halloween Party, the Banyan Tree birthday celebration, the Fourth of July festivities and the annual Golf Classic.

“Robin has been our biggest private sponsor for the last five years—not only financially, but also donating her time to all of LAC’s events,” said Lynn Donovan, former executive director of the LahainaTown Action Committee. “She never refused to help when we needed it. She’s a great friend to LAC and myself.”

In January, LAC honored Vega with its Volunteer of the Year award, acknowledging her hard work and dedication to the organization over the past 12 years. “Not only did MegaVega Properties support the efforts of LahainaTown Action Committee’s events and initiatives, Robin Vega personally gives her time volunteering at every Second Friday event, the Lahaina Golf Classic, Fourth of July in Lahaina, Halloween in Lahaina and the Lahaina holiday events,” said LahainaTown Action Committee board president Snehal Patel, when he presented the award to Vega. “Robin and her company are instrumental to the success of our organization and on behalf of the board of directors, we are very grateful. This is a long overdue recognition of Robin and MegaVega Properties.”

Vega says volunteering has no shortage of perks—and she has no plans to stop anytime soon. “I enjoy talking and mingling with the people of Lahaina, as well as the visitors,” she said. “They get so excited just to be here.”

That’s one of the many reasons why she hopes others will follow her lead and give back to their community in any way they can. “I would encourage anyone to volunteer and support your community,” she said. “It’s rewarding to see people and businesses thrive.”

If you’re ready to catch the volunteering bug, head down to Kamehameha Iki Park (525 Front St. in Lahaina) on September 15, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the 14th Annual LahainaTown Clean-up. Just bring a pair of gloves and a water bottle or canister; bags and water will be provided, as well as a free lunch by Pacific‘O.

To learn more about the LahainaTown Action Committee or to view a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.visitlahaina.com.